The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) has released a redesigned version of the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is the Law poster. The updated notice adds information on workplace harassment policies, complaint procedures, and the 180-day filing deadline. The revision also updates the list of protected classes under Indiana state law to specifically include age (40-75), and adds pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity as protections under local and/or federal law. Updated contact information and a QR code for the ICRC portal have also been added.
What Changed on the Revised Poster?
The updated workplace notice includes a dedicated section explaining workplace harassment. The poster defines workplace harassment as unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct that demonstrates hostility or aversion toward an individual based on a protected class. Those protected classes are listed on the notice.
The poster also encourages employers to establish clear policies and procedures for reporting and evaluating harassment complaints. It emphasizes that employers should address complaints in a timely and professional manner to ensure allegations are properly investigated and resolved. This additional guidance reflects the growing importance of workplace harassment prevention programs and employee reporting procedures.
What Protected Classes Are Listed on the Poster?
The revised poster updates and clarifies the categories protected under Indiana law. The notice now specifically lists protection against employment discrimination based on:
- Race
- Religion
- Color
- Sex
- Disability
- National Origin
- Ancestry
- Veteran Status
- Age (40-75)
In addition, the poster states that local and/or federal law may provide protections based on:
- Pregnancy
- Sexual Orientation
- Gender Identity
This distinction helps employees understand the various sources of workplace discrimination protections that may apply to their situation.
Complaint Procedures and Filing Deadline
Another important addition is information regarding the complaint process. The updated poster explains that individuals who believe they have experienced workplace harassment or discrimination may file a complaint with the ICRC. The revised EEO notice now explicitly states that individuals must file employment discrimination complaints within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. This filing deadline is prominently displayed on the poster and helps employees understand the maximum time available to report an incident.
Employer Takeaways
Indiana employers should immediately replace outdated Equal Employment Opportunity posters with the newly redesigned version. Posting the most current notice where such notices are commonly posted ensures that employees are informed of their workplace rights and provides accurate information regarding discrimination protections and complaint procedures.
Affected businesses should also review their anti-harassment and discrimination policies to ensure they remain in compliance with the law. When employees know exactly how to report a problem and see complaints handled quickly, it goes a long way toward preventing lawsuits before they start.
Labor Law Posters-Online's Indiana State and Federal Labor Law Poster includes the updated Equal Employment Opportunity notice along with all other required state and federal postings. Customers enrolled in our annual Indiana poster update service automatically receive mandatory posting revisions as they become available, helping businesses remain compliant with changing labor law requirements.